Reducing air pollution in the city is key and the introduction of these ultra-low emission vehicles will deliver significant fuel and C02 improvements along the Elland Road and Temple Green Park & Ride routes. The new vehicles form part of First Leeds� commitment to invest �71 million in 284 new ultra-low emission buses for Leeds by the end of 2020.

The HEV is the latest development from bus manufacturer, WrightBus, which uses a parallel hybrid system that captures braking energy that is then used to help both accelerate the vehicle and to help power its electrical and air systems. Recent trials showed that the overall system achieves a 34 per cent reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions compared to an average Euro V engine bus of a similar size.

Working together�

Cllr Eric Firth, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: �The only way we can solve air quality issues is by working together as the Combined Authority, First and Leeds City Council have done to develop park and ride.

�Because they are so popular with passengers, the Elland Road and Temple Green services are already removing over 6,000 car journeys and the pollution and congestion they cause, off of city centre streets.

�And, thanks to the latest hybrid technology, these impressive new ultra-low emission vehicles will continue to transport people quickly, conveniently and comfortably and more cleanly too.�

Proud

Speaking about the new vehicles, Martin Hirst, Commercial Director at First Leeds, said: �We�re proud to operate the Leeds City Centre Park & Ride services and we hope that today�s news will encourage even more people to use our successful park & ride network. Buses are key to tackling congestion and reducing emissions and in fact, a fully-loaded double decker bus can take 75 cars off the road.

�Alongside the introduction of new vehicles, we also offer cashless payment options. All First West Yorkshire vehicles now accept contactless payments, which is part of our aim to make paying for bus travel easier. We look forward to continuing to welcome customers on board our services and would like to encourage people who are continuing to drive into the city centre, to try using the Park & Ride sites.�

Critcal

Cllr Richard Lewis, Executive Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning at Leeds City Council, said: �Buses are a fundamental and critical element in our plans to become a world class connected city.

�The new fleet of ultra-low emission vehicles will not only contribute to reducing congestion levels, they will also bring about significant improvements in air quality and further support our ambition to be a green city in which to live, work and visit.�

Fuel-efficient

Mark Nodder, Chairman and CEO of Wrights Group, commented: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with First Leeds and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on this project. The StreetDeck HEV employs our newest and cleanest hybrid electric driveline, coupled with a very fuel-efficient Euro VI engine. This adds up to significantly reduced emissions and better air quality for Leeds.�

Buses make the 10-minute journey into Leeds City Centre every 10-15 minutes�from the 800-space Elland Road and 1,000-space Temple Green park and ride centres. The cost to park and ride is from just �2.70 per day.